Ronaldo’s Saudi trophy wait drags on after Al-Nassr falls to Gamba Osaka in Asian final

TL;DR

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr lost 1-0 to Gamba Osaka in the Asian Champions League Two final, extending their wait for a major trophy in Saudi Arabia. The defeat follows a near win in the Saudi Pro League, leaving Al-Nassr still in contention for the title.

Key points

Al-Nassr lost 1-0 to Gamba Osaka in the Asian Champions League final
Deniz Hammat scored the only goal of the match
Ronaldo's wait for a major trophy in Saudi Arabia continues
Al-Nassr is still in contention for the Saudi Pro League title
They lead Al-Hilal by two points heading into the final game

Mentioned in this story

Cristiano RonaldoDeniz HammatJoao Felix

Al-NassrGamba OsakaAsian Champions LeagueAl-Hilal

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for a first major trophy in Saudi Arabia continued when Al-Nassr lost to Japan’s Gamba Osaka 1-0 in the Asian Champions League Two final on Saturday. A first-half goal from Turkish forward Deniz Hammat helped Osaka secure Asia’s second-tier tournament despite Al-Nassr dominating possession and having more attempts on goal. The defeat came five days after Al-Nassr was seconds away from winning the Saudi Pro League for the first time since 2019, only to concede in stoppage time and leave the title race to be decided on the final matchday on Thursday. It was a frustrating night for the home side. Al-Nassr created multiple openings in the first half but Osaka took the lead in the 30th minute. Hammat turned and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from just inside the area. After a lengthy VAR check for offside, the goal stood. “I am happy to score and help the team and to do my best for this club,” said Hammat, who went off injured at halftime. “I was nervous watching in the second half but the most important thing is that we won and I am proud of my teammates. Now it is time to celebrate and enjoy.” Osaka defended in numbers and with discipline, making it difficult for Al-Nassr’s star-studded attack to create clear chances. Ronaldo, who joined the club in December 2022, came close to equalizing just before halftime but his close-range header from a Joao Felix cross sailed wide. Felix, who signed from Chelsea in July, went even closer with 13 minutes remaining, striking the post with a low shot from outside the area. Despite the double disappointment this week, Al-Nassr can still clinch the Saudi Pro League. It leads Al-Hilal by two points heading into the final game against Damac on Thursday. \\\_ AP soccer:

Q&A

Why did Al-Nassr lose to Gamba Osaka in the Asian Champions League final?

Al-Nassr lost 1-0 due to a first-half goal from Deniz Hammat, despite dominating possession and creating more chances.

What does this defeat mean for Cristiano Ronaldo's trophy ambitions in Saudi Arabia?

The loss means Ronaldo's wait for a first major trophy in Saudi Arabia continues, following a recent near miss in the Saudi Pro League.

What are Al-Nassr's chances of winning the Saudi Pro League after this loss?

Al-Nassr still leads the Saudi Pro League by two points and can clinch the title in their final match against Damac.

Ronaldo’s Saudi trophy wait drags on after Al-Nassr falls to Gamba Osaka in Asian final

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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